The club of the year presentation of at Cheltenham Motor Club on Wednesday, February 15

The Cheltenham Motor Club first secured the coveted title in 2013. Since then, the club has made significant improvements to its seating and bar area, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving the experience of its members and guests alike.

This friendly and welcoming club, formed in 1906, usually has six real ales and three real ciders on tap, alongside its new bottled beer bar and a Belgian draught beer. The club area has recently been extended into the former committee room to create a larger seating area. It runs two beer festivals a year and is decorated with motoring paraphernalia as well as boasting an extensive collection of pumpclips.

John Holland, chairman of CAMRA’s clubs working group, said: “While the other finalists in the competition are great examples of well-run and welcoming clubs, Cheltenham Motor Club really set itself apart. Rather than resting on its laurels, they have taken huge steps to improve their bar area and beer selection.

“Beyond this, it is clear that the local community passionately supports Cheltenham Motor Club and that the club is a pivotal fixture in the local community.”

Neil Way, Cheltenham Motor Club’s manager, said: “As a long-time member of CAMRA I am totally overwhelmed and honoured to win club of the year for a second time. I am lucky to have a very supportive wife, a supportive committee, along with a very hard working, motivated and loyal bar team. The locals are tremendous, too.

“Winning club of the year in 2013 was a huge achievement for Cheltenham Motor Club and it generated a jump in trade from which we have been able to build and capitalise on. We could not have afforded to renovate the clubhouse if it hadn’t been for the increase in business that winning the CAMRA club of the year previously generated. We are very grateful to CAMRA and hope to build on this year’s award as well.”

The competition is run in conjunction with Club Mirror magazine with the simple aim of finding the clubs with the greatest commitment to quality real ale — those which offer a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and, most importantly, top-quality real ale served in great condition. All nominated clubs in the competition are independently assessed by a panel of CAMRA volunteers throughout the year.

Runners up in the competition were the Albatross Club in Bexhill, Dartford Working Men’s Club, and Leyton Orient FC Supporters Club, which all host beer festivals and boast a wide range of well-kept real ales.